Ask Ripley

Your questions answered by Britain's premier driving expert

I HAVE read with interest your recent items about the heel-and-toe gear-change technique. If one uses this while going downhill, is it necessary to reduce speed more than normal to allow for potential brief acceleration when the brake is momentarily released? M.N., Abergavenny

From the number of letters I am receiving on the subject, there appears to be general confusion about correct use of the heel-and-toe technique. In essence, one uses the brake and throttle at the same time. The brake pedal should not be released whether you are on a level road or a hill. It is acceptable to modulate brake pressure, but this requires expert feel and an adept right foot. Heel-and-toe is not something I would counsel for novices - or experienced drivers, for that matter - unless they have had hours of practice on traffic-free or private roads.

Parking matter

We live on a busy four-lane A-road that has a 40mph limit. It is obviously dangerous to park on the road, but what about the pavement? Would this be illegal? The police don't seem to know. F.M., Middlesborough

It is quite simple. You should not park on pavements unless there are signs that specifically indicate it is all right to do so. (In narrow residential streets, drivers are sometimes instructed to park with two wheels on the kerb to make life easier for through traffic.) Generally, parking on pavements presents a hazard to pedestrians (particularly the blind) and can obstruct those in wheelchairs or with prams/pushchairs. I accept that there might be times when you need to unload close to your front door, but as soon as you have finished, I would advise moving the car to a spot that won't inconvenience others. That might mean having to walk for a few minutes - but it's a better option than compromising safety.

Missing the point

On January 20 The Daily Telegraph carried a news article relating to a fatal road accident. The reporter mentioned that the victim had been travelling in the "fast lane" before the crash. I often see this terminology used - but surely there is no such thing? Shouldn't one talk about the second, third, right-hand, far or offside lane? M.W., Harrogate

Technically you are correct - the right-hand lanes of multiple-carriageway roads are there to be used for overtaking other vehicles when it is safe and appropriate to do so, not necessarily for driving quickly. In this instance, however, I think there are more important things to worry about. Rightly or wrongly, everyone is familiar with the term "fast lane" and I think it is insensitive to quibble when the subject of the story is a fatal accident. Using the correct language is always preferable to using jargon, but it won't necessarily make someone a safer driver. It is far more important that motorists are educated to understand road conditions and to react appropriately so that fewer incidents such as this need to be reported. No matter how experienced a driver might be, there are always new things to be learnt that could improve his or her technique. And that applies to me as much as it does to you.